In the initial period mining was carried out at upper layers and mine spread was horizontal, which ensured abundant supply of laterite for covering clay portion of dump and also for making filters with series of rock walls to arrest erosion. However as the mine went deeper, the reject composition was mainly of clay of magniferous and phyllatic nature which was very prone to erosion and does not support the plant growth. Use of geo-textiles is a new approach to control erosion of mine dumps as well as to establish plantations.

Geo-textile is a thin permeable material consisting of coir fibers interwoven with nylon filaments to provide support and strength. Initial experiments using geo-textiles was conducted with the technical support of Coir Board Kerala. The desired strength to withstand the monsoon and right species of grass was developed after three years of trial.

At Codli mine, geo-textiles are laid on the dump surface before onset of the monsoon. Special erosion control and nitrogen fixing grass seeds of Styllosanthus hamata, Congo & other mixed varieties are sown on the geotextiles along with organic manure of Glyricidia pigs and used for fixing the geo-textile in the first year and subsequently, native plant species are planted.

Geo-textiles reduce impact of rain on the dump surface, thus preventing erosion and also conserving moisture by acting as mulch for the better growth of the plant. Grass seeds germinate, decompose within three years by which time the dump stabilises with vegetation.

Use of Geo-textiles is an integral part of dump management and has now successfully been replicated at different mining sites for dump reclamation.